Seven days after Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson made firearms legal on public college campuses, lawmakers stepped in and ruined the party. Thursday, the state House of Representatives, said that firearms are a “go” at higher learning institutions, but a resounding “no” at college sporting venues.
KHBS-TV reports that an exemption to the campus gun law was written and voted on in direct response to a request from the top brass at the South Eastern Athletic Conference. (It is never short of amazing how an entity such as the SEC can remain a such an influential organization for an entire region, if not the nation.)
Technically, a college football enthusiast in Arkansas can now enjoy a beautiful early October Saturday in Fayetteville wandering around campus and enjoying the sites with their favorite firearm. However, once the game starts there will certainly be some minor headaches when heading into the stadium. Will the local law enforcement implement pat-downs and other security measures at the front gate to ensure that the exemption is enforced and will these costs fall on the shoulders of the tax payer? Can the campus carry law effectively exist with the very public stipulations limiting gun free zones at nearby sporting arenas? Obviously, the anti-gun movement does not want to create any confusion or potential legal traffic jams in the wake of increased rights for responsible citizens.
While campus carry is a step in the right direction, to restrict Second Amendment rights, especially at highly visible and popular events may be sending the wrong message to the wrong people.
Read the full KHBS-TV article here.
